Round one of the final phase of judging has been completed, and TOSSING THE GLOVES by Christy Finn is this week's elimination.
 
Ultimately we felt she had a fun, wish-fulfillment story line, but unfortunately there wasn't enough spark in the voice to make it stand out in romance market. Congratulations, Christy, on making it this far in the contest, and best of luck in your writing career!
 
Here's what our readers had to say:
 

Diane - I thought the author did a nice job with her characters, and the storyline was cute. What woman wouldn’t want a super-hunky hockey player to cuddle up with? I was just hoping for a little more contact sport, if you know what I mean. Some places were a bit predictable and slow, but I liked the heroine's conflict between her fear of violence and love for a hockey player.  In the end, though, there just wasn’t enough to hang a hat-trick on.

Just want to give a well deserved shout out to my co-finalist Christy Finn.  I believe that you have a fantastic writing career ahead of you, sweetie. This is only the first chapter in your life's novel.

You keep your chin up and keep your fingers typing and you'll make all your dreams a reality.

I'm so beyond thrilled that this contest allowed us to become friends and I wish you the absolute best of luck in the future.

Finn Rocks! <<<and don't forget it!  Hugs to Christy!

Best of Luck to my remaining co-finalists and Congrats on making it to the Final Four.

To all of the contestants, judges, and Dorchester folks...here's to a Happy, Healthy & Safe Holiday Season!

My best,
Kerri Nelson

Thanks, Kerri...

And to all the judges, I appreciate your feedback. I'm sorry to not continue on the journey, but my best wishes go to the remaining four finalists.

--Finny

Congrats Christy for coming this far and for finishing your book for NaNo!  We all know publishing is a long road and you've come further than most in such a short time. 

What Kerri said! I'm sorry to see you go, Christy! Good luck with everything and remember, you're a Text Diva for life! *hugs*

Best wishes of the season to all the readers, editors, staff and participants! I hope everyone has a lovely and safe holiday!

Cheers,

Saranna

www.sarannadewylde.com
www.tinyurl.com/LoseADemon

Christy - You should be so proud of yourself! The first manuscript I ever finished most assuredly did not come this close to getting published. Take a moment to drown your sorrows, but then pat yourself on the back and get your butt in that chair again.

Happy holidays to the rest of the finalists, to the folks at Dorchester and Textnovel, and of course, to our readers. 

Way to go Christy!  Number five is still excellent and you've got a heck of a premise here! Rock on girl! 
Jenn

Christy-Sad to see you on this side of the fence, but holy heck did you do a great job! What an adventure you've been on, but now you can sit back, relax, and pull your novel apart all over again, this time with a patient eye. You've got great characters and voice. Make em dance. Can't wait to see you on the bookshelf!
Robin

Congratulations on making it to # 5, Christy. This is a huge achievement when you consider how many people entered. Keep writing and submitting, you're so nearly there!

Helen
www.helenscotttaylor.com
Adventure Fantasy Romance

Christy, wow, just look how far you've come!  I have a feeling that given more time, you'd have seen a far different result.  I hope you keep polishing your manuscript, 'cause like I've always said, girl, you've got voice!

Good luck to you and your hunky hocky players!

To those of you who are still in, congratulations!  What a way to meet the holidays, eh?

Liane (peeping out from the tail end of disaster to support her divas!)

Christy, I'm so sorry you didn't make it further. I know how you're feeling. It's no fun having a work rejected, but it is part of this crazy business. Just remember, it's the work and not you personally that they're saying no to. Any work can be made better.